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Almost half of Singapore drivers looking to buy an electric vehicle

Thinking of making the switch to electric vehicles?

After a slow start to embracing electric vehicles (EVs), Singapore is now gaining momentum in getting people on board the electric drivetrain.

In part due to a concerted effort by the government, and in part from their own desire to live in a more environmentally sustainable world, more drivers are considering making a switch to electrification.

Based on the results of an online survey released in March 2022 by the BMW Group, about 46 percent of Singapore drivers would consider getting an electrified vehicle as their next car. Roughly half of them (24 per cent) would buy a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The other 22 per cent would go fully electric.

Other key findings of the survey revealed that despite lingering misconceptions about electric vehicles, more Singapore drivers are realising the benefits of owning one.  Given enough motivation, many would support EV adoption as well.

Lingering misconceptions about electric vehicles

About 41 of Singapore drivers still think that EVs are difficult to charge.  Also, while the average real-world range of EVs far exceeds 100km, about 40 per cent of respondents believe that EVs are only able to travel this distance before needing to be charged.

Another misconception is thinking that EVs are more expensive to maintain. Actually, as EVs come with fewer moving parts and do not require engine oil or spark plugs, for example, maintenance costs are much lower compared to an internal combustion vehicle.

>>READ: More misconceptions about electric vehicles

Majority recognise benefits of EV ownership

Despite the misconceptions, 87 percent of the Singapore drivers polled recognised the benefits of EV ownership.  One of which is the reduction in carbon emissions, reflecting their wish to go greener with their motoring.

They also cited other benefits such as the Singapore government incentives (65 percent) and cost savings from using electricity instead of petrol (59 percent) as key factors for supporting electric vehicles.

Motivating factors for EV adoption

When it comes to whether to purchase an EV, Singaporeans look at mainly practical reasons.

The most important factor is the increased number of government incentives and access to public charging facilities (72 percent). Access to charging at home followed closely at 70 percent.

Other key motivating factors are performance (55 percent), vehicle build quality (43 percent), technological features (42 percent), and brand loyalty (30%).

In terms of the top two service-focused motivators, the Singapore respondents highlighted the need for greater assurance that they would be covered with a longer warranty period of up to 10 years (64 percent) and good after sales service (58 percent).

Sime Darby Motors Singapore.

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Towards a greener drive

The results from Singapore closely mirror those from drivers in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand who were also surveyed by the BMW Group.

Hopefully these findings will see a continued push for EV adoption, and for electric vehicles to be integrated into drivers’ daily lives over time.

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